About Us
Our Mission
FILML.A., INC® is a 501(c)4 not-for-profit public benefit organization and the official film office of the City and County of Los Angeles, among an ever-increasing roster of local municipalities. Our mission is to streamline and enhance the on-location filmmaking process for communities and content creators, to ensure the Greater Los Angeles economy continues to thrive.
FilmLA was established in 1995 when the City and County of Los Angeles decided to merge and privatize their respective film permit offices, creating a one-stop production resource for filmmakers. Our organization is overseen by an independent 27-member Board of Directors comprised of film industry stakeholders.
FilmLA’s core service is to provide expert, centralized coordination of multi-jurisdictional on-location filming permits in the world’s highest-volume film production region.
Learn More About FilmLA
Our Services
FilmLA’s service portfolio has increased over time in response to industry, government and community needs. Program and process innovations introduced since the organization’s early days include:
FilmLA’s core service of multi-jurisdictional permit coordination allows for customized solutions at an unbeatable speed.
- Multi-Locationplus FREE linked Base Camp / Crew Parking
- Multi-Day
- Multi-Jurisdiction
- Fast Turnaroundin most cases
Advance planning helps filmmakers understand neighborhood logistics and/or filming restrictions and pre-empts conflict, ultimately reducing production cost and complexity. Contact FilmLA BEFORE you apply for a permit for FREE planning help.
FilmLA performs uniform, consistent notification to communities to ensure that residents and businesses are well-informed in advance of filming activity.
FilmLA’s job is to facilitate on-location filming in a way that minimizes inconvenience to communities. We proactively establish an open rapport with local neighborhoods and coordinate permits with their concerns in mind.
FilmLA Monitors are our eyes and ears on the street and are assigned to sensitive filming locations to provide community members and production companies with aid throughout the filming day.
FilmLA invests heavily in mission-supportive technology. Today, every step of the film permit process, from application intake, to government approval and permit release, is handled within our state-of-the-art permitting system, MyFilmLA.
FilmLA is expert in matters related to filming and its economic, civic and cultural benefits for the region. Our data and reports are regularly cited by government representatives, economists, and members of the media.
Partner With Us
Although many municipal leaders would like to see their areas become more film-friendly, they may not have the resources, staff, or expertise to make that vision a reality. If you represent a local city, public agency, college or school district and this sitation sounds familiar, we want to hear from you!
For nearly 30 years, our expertise in film permit coordination, community outreach, and marketing to filmmakers has helped our government clients get their “big break” in the industry.
Contracting with FilmLA to serve as your film office and implementing the Model Film Ordinance and Guidelines / Best Practices are great ways to attract filming and support our region’s vibrant entertainment economy.
Common Questions About FilmLA
Is FilmLA a Government Agency?
No, FilmLA is not a government agency. We are a 501(c)4 not-for-profit public benefit organization and service provider to the film industry and local government. We serve 21 different government clients including the City and County of Los Angeles, 15 other area cities, and six local public school districts.
Public oversight of FilmLA is achieved through our contracts with each jurisdiction, and industry accountability is achieved through a Board of Directors comprised of film industry stakeholders including studio, labor and community representatives.
Does FilmLA Have Authority to Approve Film Permits?
No, FilmLA does not have the authority to approve film permits. In fact, FilmLA has no government approval or enforcement authority of any kind. Film permits are government documents and can only be approved by government employees. The power to approve film permits remains vested with the jurisdictions we serve.
FilmLA oversees a streamlined process of film permit application review, insurance verification, government approval, jurisdictional use and personnel fee collection and permit release, aimed at reducing both the time and personnel cost required for efficient application processing.
FilmLA’s comprehensive community relations services help keep filming welcome in local communities.
What Do FilmLA Services Cost Its Government Clients?
FilmLA receives no direct government funding or support. We serve the City and County of Los Angeles, 15 other cities, and six area school districts free of charge – and we are always looking for opportunities to serve additional communities!
One hundred percent of FilmLA’s funding comes from service fees charged to the film industry, whose activities create the workload that FilmLA helps manage.
Audited Financial Statements
All revenues earned by FilmLA are invested back into the mission in the form of fair market wages and benefits for FilmLA employees (comprising 80 percent of our operating budget), tools and technology to support daily operations, and ongoing process innovation. FilmLA’s finances and internal controls are subject to comprehensive independent annual audits, the results of which are published below.